The Emporia State women’s volleyball team went head to head with Northwest Missouri State on Sept. 29 at White Auditorium. In a long standing match, the Hornets saw 29 ties and 11 lead changes, eventually suffering a loss to the Bearcats.
The first set started out strong with the Hornets holding a 9-4 lead that evolved into a lead of 15-9 before the Bearcats stole an 11-3 run for the lead. Northwest Missouri would end up taking the first set in with a 25-20 victory.
The second set began with Emporia State scoring six points, five coming from setter Brailee Bogle’s serve, leaving the Hornets with a 14-6 lead. The Bearcasts turned up the heat with a 12-2 run, taking an 18-16 lead. After ESU’s final timeout, they went on a 5-0 run which left the Hornets winning 21-18. After a set point on a kill from hitter McKenya Sorrells, ESU took the victory over the second set with 25-21
The teams traded points in the third set, with a kill from hitter Sandora Sasaki giving the Hornets the first two point lead. After a kill from the Bearcats cut the lead back a point, the Hornets steamrolled to a lead of 14-9, eventually growing the lead to 20-12 before taking the win with a score of 25-19.
A tie of 4-4 started the fourth set, with both teams unable to break forward. The Bearcats took an 8-1 run for a 12-5 lead, and then led 18-12 when the Hornets used a 6-1 run with back to back kills from hitter Zuzanna Buchnajzer to catch up. Northwest Missouri proceeded to score the final six points of the set, earning themselves a 25-18 victory.
The final set of the night brought along another tie of 9-9 before Northwest finally broke the tie with a leading score of 11-9 . The set was close with the Bearcats gaining a 14-10 lead. Northwest Missouri ended up victorious with a 15-11 win.
Despite their loss, ESU made huge strides. Holding 14 kills in 13 consecutive matches, Sandora Sasaki now holds the longest streak since 2009.
Emporia State will continue their season facing off against No. 20 Washburn on Oct. 10. The match will begin at 6:00 p.m. in White Auditorium.
